A fellowship is a cash award offered to a scholar or student to help support them in advanced research in their particular field. Whether you want financial assistance in writing your master's or doctoral thesis, or simply want to fund a research project, a fellowship can be of great help in supporting your work.
Instructions
1. Decide what topic you would like to research and prepare a formal plan. Before applying for your fellowship, you should have a clear outline of ideas to present which should include where you will get your information, how you will execute your project and your overall research goals. The more organized your thoughts and ideas, the more likely a fellowship committee will take you seriously.
2. Explore your fellowship possibilities. Ask the advisor from your department of study, at your college or university, which fellowships are available, as they should have information regarding both university and outside fellowship opportunities. Thorough Internet searches should yield a wealth of fellowships offered from various institutions and organizations as well.
3. Select at least six fellowships to apply for, if possible. Fellowships are extremely competitive, so you do not want to limit yourself to just one. If you are accepted for more than one fellowship, ask if they will allow you to combine the funding. You ability to combine fellowships will be highly dependent on the particulars of each award.
4. Research the fellowships for which you are applying well in advance of sending your application. While fellowships are like grants, in that you do not have to pay the money back, some will require follow-up projects, foundation promotion or credit in your final research reports. Be sure, especially if accepting more than one fellowship, that you can fulfill the deadlines and project requirements of each.
5. Prepare solid references. Inform the people you would like to write recommendation letters for you about your project ideas, the fellowships that you are applying for and why you would like them to write your letter of reference. Be sure that your references have experience in your field of study as it adds credibility to your fellowship application.
6. Complete your application neatly and follow the directions exactly. Submit your application as early as possible. If you are awarded a fellowship, you will be contacted on or near the award date. However, foundations and organizations do not always contact the people they do not award, so you may inquire with a phone call or an email, but wait until the award date passes before doing so.
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